Policies
At Waymakers, our policies are designed to support safe, inclusive and welcoming environments where children, young people and adults can learn, connect and thrive.
They reflect our values of curiosity, connection, inclusion, respect and shared responsibility.
Our policies aren't just about compliance. They help us create a community where everyone can feel safe, respected and able to participate in ways that work for them.
Below you'll find summary versions of our key policies, along with links to the full documents. We ask all participants, parents, volunteers and facilitators to familiarise themselves with these before attending sessions.
Our Shared Agreement
We work together to create environments where everyone feels respected, safe and valued. We celebrate different ways of thinking, learning and communicating, and encourage curiosity, compassion and collaboration.
Participant Voice
Young people are active participants in shaping Waymakers. We encourage learners to share ideas, express their needs, contribute to decisions and participate in ways that work for them.
Parent & Adult Involvement
Parents, volunteers, visitors and facilitators all play different roles within Waymakers. Everyone is expected to contribute to a safe, respectful and inclusive environment and follow the guidance of the Lead Facilitator during sessions.
Equality, Diversity, Inclusion & Accessibility
We welcome people of all backgrounds, identities and abilities. We are committed to reducing barriers to participation and continually improving accessibility through listening, learning and adaptation.
Child Protection & Safeguarding
The wellbeing of children and young people is our highest priority. All staff and volunteers share responsibility for safeguarding and follow clear procedures for responding to concerns.
Designated Safeguarding Lead: Helen Murray
Deputy Designated Safeguarding Lead: Kristy
If a child is in immediate danger, emergency services should be contacted without delay.
Our Approach to Learning
Waymakers supports curiosity-led, project-based and relationship-centred learning. We recognise that learning looks different for different people and that wellbeing, connection and autonomy matter.
Our facilitators work responsively, balancing structure with flexibility and adapting sessions to meet the needs and interests of participants.
Health, Safety & Risk
We aim to create environments that are both safe and engaging. Facilitators use risk assessments and professional judgement to support children in exploring, experimenting and taking age-appropriate risks safely.
Because many of our activities are hands-on, creative and participant-led, we use both planned and dynamic risk assessment approaches throughout sessions.
Communication & Feedback
We value open, respectful communication and welcome constructive feedback. We ask all members of the community to engage with one another in a considerate and collaborative way.
As a small community organisation, we also encourage communication through appropriate channels and respect for staff and volunteer boundaries outside session times.
Data Protection & Privacy
We collect only the information needed to run our activities safely and effectively and handle all personal information responsibly and securely.
We are committed to protecting privacy, maintaining confidentiality and complying with relevant data protection legislation.
Complaints & Concerns
If something isn't working well, we want to hear about it.
We aim to address concerns fairly, respectfully and transparently, with a focus on constructive resolution, open communication and maintaining positive relationships wherever possible.
Concerns should usually be raised with the relevant facilitator in the first instance. If further support is needed, concerns can be escalated to the Directors of Waymakers.